PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Timbers’ soccer season is set to shift to a late-summer–to–spring schedule in 2027 after a Major League Soccer owners vote Thursday.

The change is intended to bring MLS more in line with international leagues, improving competitiveness in the global transfer market and reducing conflicts with national team call-ups, which often occur during summer tournaments.

This season began in late February — with a break for the Club World Cup over the summer — and will conclude with the MLS Cup championship on Dec. 6.

Under the new calendar, the 2027–28 MLS season will begin in mid-to-late July, with the regular season ending in April. The playoffs and championship would take place in May.

Like many international leagues, MLS will include a midwinter break from mi

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